Hot takes on the new Linkedin stories feature – Autumn 2020

Linkedin just launched its new stories feature. Here is what Linkedin stories are, and what we think it means for marketers.
hot takes on linkedin stories

Linkedin just launched its new stories feature. Here is what Linkedin stories are, and what we think it means for marketers.

What are Linkedin Stories?

Linkedin say that “LinkedIn Stories enable members and organizations to share images and short videos of their everyday professional moments.”

They operate near identically to Instagram and Snapchat stories but inevitably have more of a business focus than the other platforms.

What do Linkedin stories mean for marketers?

Having had a day to play around with Linkedin stories, here are our predictions and analysis of what this means for marketers.

1. More content.

Linkedin just got huuuuuuuungry. With a second form of content added, the potential input into the platform just doubled for those wanting to make the most of the platform. It doesn’t mean to say you ‘HAVE’ to do anything – still only do the stuff that works for you, but it’s worth giving it a go.

2. New styles.

Knowing what is ‘feed’ content and what will be ’stories’ content is going to be an experimental process.

3. Gut reaction.

That being said, gut instinct tells me that feed content is where longer form, more polished content will live, whereas stories will be for more ‘behind the scenes’ content.

4. More rounded personal brands.

With this in mind, the possibility to create a more rounded view into your world, and a stronger *shudder* personal brand *shudder* as a result.

5. Production values.

I expect production values to start low, but get high quick as stories isn’t a new concept. Those who already do Instagram well are likely to have a head start here.

6. Algorithm.

I have a sneaking suspicion that part of the algorithm is based on those who you interact with in your messages box. If that is true, and that is also where the replies to stories are going right now, there could be a circular benefit to using both stories and feed posts where one boosts the reach of the other and so on.

7. Take advantage!

Hannah Anderson made a great point in her talk with The Marketing Meetup that when a platform publishes a new feature such as this, it’s in their interest to incentivise people to use it: that means a greater reach to start off with. For that reason, I’d just encourage people to give it a go and see what happens. It’s new, and that means there is a whole new potential land grab going on.

All in all, let’s see where it goes!